Breaking news:“As a defender, he’s the toughest opponent I’ve faced in the premier league. I hate to come up against him because he will never allow me to breath even for a second”- Newcastle Defender Dan Burn names Arsenal star as the toughest opponent he has faced in his career.

In a recent interview on Ben Foster’s Fozcast, Newcastle’s Dan Burn disclosed his toughest Premier League opponent, identifying Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as the formidable adversary. Burn, with experience at Fulham and Brighton before joining Newcastle in January 2022, emphasized the challenging encounters faced during his football journey.

Burn’s reflections on his time at Fulham acknowledged the tough nature of those experiences, but it was his tenure at Brighton, particularly under Eddie Howe, that posed the greatest challenges. Despite his own defensive prowess, Burn recognized Saka’s consistent threat, citing the modern challenge of dealing with inverted wingers like Saka who can skillfully cut inside or deliver dangerous crosses.

The 31-year-old defender highlighted the evolution of tactics, contrasting the past ability to exploit a player’s weaker foot with the contemporary versatility and skill exhibited by players like Saka. Despite Saka’s reputation, Burn has proven resilient against Arsenal, with the Magpies securing one draw and two losses in four encounters.

Acknowledging Saka’s impact, Burn stressed the necessity for a collective defensive effort, revealing instances where Newcastle had to double up on the Arsenal winger. A notable 0-0 draw between the two sides showcased the tactical intricacies required to counter Saka’s threat, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by defenders in the dynamic landscape of modern football.